Taesch Wahlen has since suggested that the Asian LMS would be open to adjusting its future calendars to make it easier for European teams, specifically those that also compete in the ELMS, to enter.

“We are trying to make sure that the calendar is adapted to align with the needs of the European and American teams wanting to join the series,” he told Sportscar365.

“When we work on the calendar, the first and last rounds are very important when it comes to giving European teams the opportunity to shift their equipment back in time to start the next European season.

“This is something we are working on, including for the 2020-21 calendar, and we have already two or three options.

“We may have found a solution to finish at a date that even better fits with the European teams’ programs.”

Taesch Wahlen explained that while some teams have been struggling to negotiate the tight window between seasons, others have taken matters into their own hands.

“To the best of my knowledge, from what I’ve been told by teams so far, some are already thinking about investing in new equipment to leave in Asia purposely, to avoid the cost of air-freighting equipment back and forth,” he said.

“If you look at the business case deeply, you realize that this is the thing to do.

“We also know that some of the European teams are thinking about bringing their current-gen LMP3 cars with a view to selling to customers [in Asia] because most teams are buying new-gen LMP3 cars rather than buying the kit to upgrade them [for the 2020 regulations].

“Having four additional endurance racing events organized in Asia, which for them is an addition to what they do in Europe, is further benefiting their business case, because they need to keep busy 12 months a year.”

Taesch Wahlen believes the approach of building grids by attracting European teams to compete alongside homegrown Asian outfits continues to be “manageable”.